From the Second Story column: Massage therapy, it makes the body feel good

June Thompson

If you have ever had a back massage, you know how good it feels. The muscles relax, the tension leaves, the skin feels a little younger and vibrant. You almost feel like you have a new body. It's a heavenly feeling.

Although I haven't had a massage for many years, I felt I needed one. I overuse my back, arms, hands and fingers at work and school, so I feel the aches and pains associated with repetitive work. The older I get, the more I feel the pain; and hence, the more I need a good massage.

A few weeks ago, I received my first massage from massage therapist Amenia McCurtis. She recently opened shop at Living Well Health and Fitness Center in Neillsville, and she offers an assortment of services for her clients.

I admit I've wanted a massage for a long time, and Amenia was especially gentle massaging my hands and fingers; I think arthritis is settling into those joints.

But receiving a back massage required that I lay face down. I'm not entirely comfortable lying or sleeping on my stomach, but it's different when you're having a massage. Every muscle begins to feel relaxed, and the pain subsides, eventually eased away. I didn't know I had so many muscles that felt like they were knotted together.

After my hands and fingers were massaged, I had better use of them. They didn't feel stiff, nor did they ache. They felt like hands that belonged to a younger woman.

My massage lasted 30 minutes, but it did wonders for my body. I felt better than I have felt in a long time. If I need another massage, I know where to go, and my over-worked hands/fingers will feel so much better.

McCurtis offers different kinds of massages, and she encourages her clients to drink a lot of water, especially after receiving a massage. It will help flush out some of the wastes that accumulate in the body. It doesn't take much effort to drink a glass of water. (Most people probably don't drink enough.) I am supposed to drink more than a 12-ounce glass every day. I'll have to pick up a 35-pack of bottle water at the store. I'm going to need it.

For more information about Free Spirit Massage by Amenia McCurtis, call 715-305-5607.